Latest / Catalyst Center for Work Innovation: The Debate
A Debate about the Goldilocks Principle: Calibrating Development for an Aging Workforce
This research examines the Goldilocks Principle in the context of professional growth, arguing that excessive development opportunities can actually diminish employee commitment and learning. Research indicates an inverted U-shaped relationship between human resource investments—such as training and promotions—and worker performance, suggesting that there is an optimal threshold for development beyond which employees feel overwhelmed. This relationship is significantly influenced by age, as younger workers may perceive intensive development as a stressor, while older professionals benefit…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.